Video: Giving your mix life with automation

We are not quite done with Automation yet. In this video, we'll check out how to extend Automation to software instruments. We'll also explore how to quickly assign a control on your MIDI keyboard to any automation parameter you want. Here we have our N_Synth track. It uses the ESE, a software instrument, to make it sound. One of the coolest controls in the ESE is the Cutoff knob. Let's automate it. First, we need to go into the Automation pulldown menu and choose ESE and then we can select Cutoff. Now we have our Cutoff Automation parameter in our view.

In Logic Pro 9 Essential Training, Scott Hirsch explains how to harness the power and flexibility of Logic Pro, Apple’s popular songwriting software, to record, edit, and mix music. The course includes instruction on how to compose in Logic Pro, and spend more time being creative and less time dealing with technical uncertainties. Scott focuses on setting up a workspace, recording with both live performers and digital instruments, editing and arranging, and mixing and mastering a composition. Exercise files accompany the course.

Giving your mix life with automation

We are not quite done with Automation yet.In this video, we'll check out how to extend Automation to software instruments.We'll also explore how to quickly assign a control on your MIDI keyboard to anyautomation parameter you want.Here we have our N_Synth track.It uses the ESE, a software instrument, to make it sound.One of the coolest controls in the ESE is the Cutoff knob. Let's automate it.First, we need to go into the Automation pulldown menu and choose ESE and thenwe can select Cutoff.Now we have our Cutoff Automation parameter in our view.

We'll put the track in to Touch Mode and when we hit Play, we'll move the Cutoffcontrol with our mouse and write the Automation.(Music-playing.)We did this control with a mouse, but wouldn't it have been more fun and morecreative to play this part on a knob or a fader?If you have a MIDI controller with a Modwheel, knob or fader, it's easy toquickly assign a control to an Automation parameter.

With the track still enabled, go to Global Preferences under Logic Pro >Preferences > Automation. Down at the bottom of this window, we have the AutomationQuick Access. Make sure that's on and click Learn Message.Now spin the knob or move the fader on your keyboard controller that you want toassign to this parameter.I want to spin the first knob on my keyboard controller.As you can see by this pop-up window, it says Assignment learned.Logic listened as I spun the knob and it assigned that control to the currentautomation parameter.

Now I can close this box and I'll replay this part, only this time I am going tospin the knob instead of using my mouse to control the Cutoff.(Music-playing.)Assigning a keyboard control is fun and creative, and you can do it for anycontrol, even Volume and Pan.Let's go up to the next track, Beat track, and let's assign a different controlon our keyboard to the volume.

Put it in Touch Mode, go to the Logic Pro > Preferences > Automation andclick Learn Message.This time I'll spin the second knob of my keyboard. Great!Logic learned it.You can already see I am moving the fader with the knob.Now, we can write volume automation with the second knob on our controller. (Music-playing.)As you can see, I just wrote Volume Automation on that track.Automation is great stuff.Definitely take some time to practice your moves.When you get good, it really opens up new possibilities to your mixesand arrangements.

Learn by watching, listening, and doing, Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along Premium memberships include access to all exercise files in the library.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
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